Pacific Islanders - Mental Health and the Arts

Intro to Landon's Lists and Gems

New to my podcast? Here is an introduction to what this is all about!

Top Travel Destinations pt. 3 with Scott Muhlstein

Exploring Portugal: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Scott's Top 10 Countries Join host Landon Sikahema and recurring guest Scott Muhlstein as they delve into the wonders of Portugal, Scott's sixth favorite country in his countdown of the top 10 countries he has ever visited. In this episode, they discuss Portugal's stunning natural beauty, rich architecture, vibrant street music scene, and unforgettable cultural experiences. From the lush island of Madera to the lively streets of Lisbon and a spontaneous countryside gathering, discover why Portugal stands out as a travel destination. Don't miss out on the insights and stories that make this episode truly special! 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:16 Recap of Previous Episodes 00:52 Scott's Sixth Favorite Country: Portugal 01:35 Unexpected Love for Portugal 06:08 Exploring Madera Island 13:28 Primeval Fear in Madera's Forest 23:23 A Forest So Dense, It's Like a Movie Scene 24:01 Connecting Experiences Across Continents 24:14 The Mystical Forests of Madera 27:01 From Madera to Lisbon: A Journey Begins 27:08 Lisbon: A City of Color and History 28:53 Lisbon vs. The Big Three: A Surprising Preference 30:53 The Allure of Lisbon's Music and Atmosphere 34:47 A Warm Welcome in the Portuguese Countryside 38:07 Reflecting on Portugal: A Memorable Journey 42:04 Wrapping Up: Join Us Next Time!

Top Travel Spots pt. 2 with Scott Muhlstein

Scott's Top 10 Travel Destinations #8 & #7 | Amazing Experiences in Morocco and Malaysia Join host Landon Sikahema and his guest Scott Muhlstein as they continue counting down Scott's top 10 favorite countries he's ever visited. In this episode, Scott dives into his memorable experiences in Morocco and Malaysia. From unique marketplaces and snake charmers in Marrakesh, to Malaysian culinary delights and an unforgettable bus journey, this episode covers cultural highlights and unforgettable travel stories. Don't miss the lively conversation and insights on what makes these destinations special! 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:17 Recap of Previous Episode 00:50 Scott's Number 8: Morocco 01:24 Travel Story: How Scott Ended Up in Morocco 02:53 Cultural Insights: Morocco vs. Jordan 05:07 Exploring Marrakesh: Markets and Snake Charmers 14:08 Moroccan Carpets and Aggressive Sales Tactics 17:50 Architectural Wonders of Morocco 29:55 Moroccan Cuisine and Mint Tea 33:58 European Influences and Unique Moroccan Culture 37:54 The Blue City and Future Travel Plans 40:47 Cultural Experiences in Morocco 41:16 Exploring the Music Shops of Morocco 42:48 Introducing Malaysia: A Memorable Journey 44:24 Travel Challenges and Health Issues 46:54 Urban Adventures in Kuala Lumpur 50:14 The Culinary Delights of Malaysia 52:34 The Epic Bus Ride 01:00:01 Reflections on Travel and Resilience 01:10:07 Concluding Thoughts and Next Episode Teaser

The Spratly Island Dispute

Exploring the South China Sea Dispute with Dr. Dylan Michael Beatty, PhD In this episode, I, Landon Sikahema, welcome my good friend Dr. Dylan Michael Beatty, a PhD graduate in geography from the University of Hawaii. We dive deep into his research on the incredibly complex geopolitical dispute of the South China Sea, specifically focusing on the Spratly Islands. Dr. Beatty provides a unique perspective emphasizing the everyday lives of people directly affected by this dispute, contrasting traditional state-level analyses. This is the first of a series of episodes where we'll continue to unpack his significant PhD dissertation and its broader implications for social science theories of territory and sovereignty. Tune in as we explore this cutting-edge issue in critical geopolitics. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:10 Discussing Dr. Beatty's Accolades 01:52 Overview of the PhD Dissertation 02:48 Research Focus: Raley Island Dispute 03:34 Field Work in the Philippines 11:32 Challenges and Political Climate 16:40 Law of the Sea and Territorial Claims 23:52 Introduction to the Disputed Territories 23:58 Military Occupations and Artificial Islands 27:28 Philippines' Sovereignty Performance 29:15 Vietnam and Other Claimants 30:22 The Kalayaan Island Group 34:40 Geopolitical Consequences and Theoretical Perspectives 39:15 Grassroots Impact and Personal Anecdotes 46:30 Conclusion and Future Discussions

Pacific Islanders - Mental Health and the Arts

From Theater Arts to Therapy: A Journey of Healing with Sam Lutui - A Polynesian Perspective Join me, Landon Sikahema, as I sit down with my uncle, Sam Lutui, to delve into his incredible life journey. Despite having a background in theater arts, Sam now runs his own therapy practice. We explore his early love for performing arts, growing up in Tonga, and how these experiences shaped his unique approach to therapy. Sam also shares the emotional story of a tragic accident during his senior year of high school that steered him towards mental health. We discuss the role of storytelling, music, and Polynesian culture in healing, and touch on the urgent issue of mental health within the Polynesian community. This episode is a deep dive into resilience, culture, and the transformative power of art and therapy. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:21 Sam's Unique Path to Therapy 01:31 Early Life and Education in Tonga 03:04 Theater and Performance in Tonga 08:01 Cultural Performances and Storytelling 12:31 Polynesian Talent in Performing Arts 16:45 Transition to College and Theater Arts 29:04 Pursuing Passions: Music and Acting 29:51 Turning Down the First Acting Offer 32:36 Balancing Music and Youth Corrections 35:51 A Tragic Event and Its Impact 38:44 Creating Melody Healing4 7:50 Polynesian Mental Health Insights 56:19 Concluding Thoughts on Mental Health